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Autism and Holidays don't mix

It's so hard!!! We have big families, the holidays are always a time to get together. We have always tried to make it to everything, but for the past few years, it has been harder and harder. 

1. We start by having anxiety about going and I mean as soon as I hear about the get together. 

2. Then we make the very conscious decision to go and get Nathan prepared bringing whatever we think he will need. 

3. Once we are there neither one of us can enjoy a conversation, or just sit and eat, we have to chase Nathan around. He doesn't just go and play with the other kids, he barely interacts, he can't talk so he doesn't say hi to people. He doesn't like to hug very many people or even touch them for that matter. 

4. We finally know when he's had enough and we decide to leave. We know we haven't stayed long, we know it feels rude, but we have to leave because of him and our own sanity. We are exhausted.

5. Usually I cry on the way home. I leave feeling more depressed than when we got to where we are going. This is nobody's fault, it's just how I'm still learning to cope with it all. 

We are definitely learning and trying to be able to teach. Most people don't know what autism is or how to be around an autistic child. And those who have been around them, know or should know that none of them are the same. So you have to approach the way you deal with each child very very differently. 

Holidays are definitely harder than they used to be. But Nathan is actually starting to understand presents so that makes me super excited for Christmas morning.

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